Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to the Republic of Korea and Burma from November 30 to December 2, 2011.

Secretary Clinton will travel to Busan, Republic of Korea November 30 to attend the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness. Secretary Clinton's participation reflects the United States' strong political commitment to development as key pillar of global security, prosperity, and democratic progress. The Busan Meeting represents a landmark opportunity for world leaders to take stock of recent changes in the development landscape and chart a new course for global cooperation. Her visit also underscores the breadth and depth of the U.S.-ROK partnership.

Secretary Clinton will then travel to Nay Pyi Taw and Rangoon, Burma, from November 30 - December 2. This historic trip will mark the first visit to Burma by a U.S. Secretary of State in over a half a century. Secretary Clinton will underscore the U.S. commitment to a policy of principled engagement and direct dialogue as part of our dual-track approach. She will register support for reforms that we have witnessed in recent months and discuss further reforms in key areas, as well as steps the U.S. can take to reinforce progress. She will consult with a broad and diverse group of civil society and ethnic minority leaders to gain their perspectives on developments in the country. Counselor Cheryl Mills, Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary Michael Posner, Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma Derek Mitchell, and Policy Planning Director Jake Sullivan will accompany her.

Comments

Comments

laura

December 1, 2011

Laura writes:

dear secretary clinton,

i wish you all the best and much strength so u can help the political prisoners in burma and bring more democracy into the world.

i belive in your will to make the world a more fair place for everyone and i think you can do that. so please never give up.

respectfully yours,
laura

Anna J.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

Anna J. in the United Kingdom writes:

Please contribute to ending the human atrocities in Burma.

Ian C.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

Ian C. in the United Kingdom writes:

Please can you do all that is reasonable to advance democracy for the people of Burma?

My father was part of the 'Forgotten Army' in World War II. The people of Burma have suffered so much.

Please would you do all that is reasonable to ensure that the this people are not forgotten?

sincerely

Ian

R. B.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

R. Bates in the United Kingdom writes:

Dear Hilary Don't forget to enquire about the ethnic groups , the Karen. shan, mon and others. These peoples are subjected to murderous attacks in their tribal areas far from Rangoon.

Eve P.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

Eve P. in the United Kingdom writes:

As Mrs Clinton has chosen to visit Burma, I wish her to be aware that she must press for further reforms from the regime, and not just congratulate it on the small amount it has done so far. the world is watching!

shein T.

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Burma

December 1, 2011

Shein T. in Burma writes:

Dear,

I, on behalf of the Chin Progressive Party, requested to end up war crime and crime against on humanity, and establish a genuine Federal Union that ethnic people have been calling for,and ethnic affairs is the first priority in Burma to discuss.

Sara D.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

Sara D. in the United Kingdom writes:

I urge you to keep up the pressure for real reform in Burma, so that the terrible violence against ethnic groups in the country will end, and the citizens can find a true path to lasting peace and reconciliation.

You are such an influential person on the world's stage, so please show that you care about this issue by continuing your focus and pressure to work towards this.

Thank you.

Mr.BUDIYANTO S.

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Indonesia

December 1, 2011

Budiyanto S. in Indonesia writes:

Dear Honor:Mrs.H.Clinton&Staff;&Team; USA Department Of State at Washington DC in USA Nation,

hi madam nice to meet you with Budi self! Budi self as trust man from H.Clinton (get H.Clinton Community in USA Nation) make request still keep united at USA Democrat Party also give big strong support moral to Obama as USA President while Obama want get inauguration as USA President at Nov 2008 until now+as step son from Chancellor Angela Merkel Germany PM gov/nation/parliament&staff;+as best friend/strategic patnership forever life in the world with "W.House USA/USA Gov-Nation+Germany Nation&EU; Nation Region+UN Organization+Canada&Australia;&Japan;&S.Korea Nation+etc" by Internet give advise to Mrs.H.Clinton as Chief USA Department Of State use social network from Budi self idea plan with positip ethic code&prof; progress way workhard performance self until get positip way solution toward get big success final report by time process(make release all politic prison in Burma/Mynmar Nation from Burma/Mynmar Dictator Regime Military (get big strong support from China&Rusia; gov/nation)

also make Aung San Syu Kyi as New Leadership Burma/Mynmar Gov/Nation by time process.Do you know about it?),include to -- Syria+Iran+Bellarus Nation (get big strong support from Rusia gov/nation just only for natural resources opportunity) +North Korea (get big strong support moral from China&Rusia; gov/nation,make united Korea Nation same like with Germany Nation United in 1989 for yesterday term period) Nation to do it!

God give big bless amazing success final report to madam H.Clinton Budi self as trust man give pray to GOD for Mrs.H.Clinton to do it,ok! See you next time Budi friend! God Bless Us Forever Life In The World/Amitabha!

Best Regards,
Mr.Budiyanto S./Budi/Yap Tek Tiong.

Jeff S.

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Kentucky, USA

December 1, 2011

Jeff S. in Kentucky writes:

Thank you for your visit to Burma. Please help the plight of these Buddhist Monks to regain their land. I am so glad that you truly care.

Eva H.

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New York, USA

December 1, 2011

Eva H. in New York writes:

Dear Secretary Clinton, on behalf of the thousands of refugees from Burma who now live in Buffalo NY - please do not forget the growing conflicts and human rights abuses in ethnic areas of Burma. More people have been displaced this year than any other in the past decade. A genuine national dialogue of reconciliation must happen to bring peace to Burma.

Please push for the release of all political prisoners and for a lifting of the extreme laws that keep people locked up and perpetuate the climate of fear in the country.

Thank you - we appreciate the priority placed on Burma!!!!

Vince

December 1, 2011

Vince writes:

Your visit to Burma is an opportunity for the world to take strong positions in favor of human rights. As our representative it is your obligation to do so!

Alessandro C.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

Alessandro C. in the United Kingdom writes:

Hello, I'm Alessandro from UK.

I'm glad the U.S. are worrying about the tragic situation in Burm. Why not put an end to all this? Human rights continue to be violated regardless, this is the year in which the number of missing reaches heights never touched. I hope that the first priority goes to the liberation of prisoners of war who have not committed any wrong action, if not to make their voices heard rightly. For decades BURMA things remained the same. All of the changes we expect, are hopes for a future in Burma.

Thanks.

Isabelle

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France

December 1, 2011

Isabelle in France writes:

Madame,

Please show us, prove us, that human rights still exist under the policy of your governement.Prove us that Obama governement can do better than what it did concerning Palestine.Prove us that you are not merely puppets in the hands of the lobbies.Prove us that the USA fights for democracy are more than words, HELP THOSE BURMESE PEOPLE WHO SUFFER SO MUCH."YES YOU CAN "

Neli

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Bulgaria

December 1, 2011

Neli in Bulgaria writes:

Dear Madame Secretary,

Please support the Burmese people in their demand for human rights from their government. Use your position and voice to make a difference. Thank you

gabriele

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Italy

December 1, 2011

Gabriele in Italy writes:

Dear Secretary Clinton,

I'm from Italy, but I write to you because I do believe that "Either we are all free together or we are all not free together" (DASSK).

The Burmese people deserves freedom and justice, and you can do much for them. Please use your power to promote their rights, to help end conflicts and human rights abuses, and to release all political prisoners.

Pat B.

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Connecticut, USA

December 1, 2011

Pat B. in Connecticut writes:

Glad you are in Burma. Please insist on release of all political prisoners.

Joanna

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Illinois, USA

December 1, 2011

Joanna in Illinois writes:

Dear Ms. Clinton,

I'm so happy to hear that you are traveling to Korea and Burma, because it is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and confront those country's leaders in regards to the poor state of human rights there, particularly the Buddhist monks who are routinely tortured. I trust that you are as appalled by word of this treatment as I am, and hope you can find the courage to address it during your trip.

Shauna

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Utah, USA

December 1, 2011

Shauna in Utah writes:

I'm thrilled you're visiting Burma - one of my favorite countries on earth. Please work to end the atrocities to the ethnic minorities, including using rape as a weapon of war. This government has a long history of human rights abuses. I hope you will be able to use your influence to end the conflict now.

Liz F.

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Slovenia

December 1, 2011

Liz F. in Slovenia writes:

Please instruct the Burmese Regime to release all political prisoners and end the targeted violence against ethnic groups. You have the power to really make a difference here. Thankyou.

SÃ¼ss

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Canada

December 1, 2011

Suss in Canada writes:

Secretary Clinton,
It is important that you communicate a message of democracy to officials in Burma, the form of democracy that does not keep political prisoners.
You have the opportunity now to urge officials in Burma to release political prisoners and to take resolving action against regional ethnic conflict.
Please do not hesitate to take the opportunity to urge the Burma officials to do the right thing.
Sincerely,
SÃ¼ss

Laurie L.

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Colorado, USA

December 1, 2011

Laurie L. in Colorado writes:

As a 14-year supporter of the people of Burma, having been there 2 times & planning my 3rd trip, please be aware that the present govt. has increased their brutality to the ethnic people in Burma in the last 6 months. Demand they stop all military & paramilitary activity against these Ethnic people. This must be mandatory for the US to open up trade w/ Burma!!
Thanks,
Laurie

Grace P.

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Virginia, USA

December 1, 2011

Grace P. in Virginia writes:

Secretary Clinton,

End the atrocities being perpetrated by the Burmese regime, not only on ethnic minorities, but on all the people of Burma. It also perhaps be a good idea if you spoke to some of the Burmese refugees in the US who have been imprisoned and can give you an honest an unafraid perspective of the human rights abuses. People in Burma are often afraid to speak about their experiences for fear of reprisals. We have a large Burmese community in Charlottesville, VA and some of the refugees were political prisoners. I urge you to speak to them.

emilia n.

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Portugal

December 1, 2011

Emilia N. in Portugal writes:

Pressure must be increased on Burma to stop the violations of human rights

Raphael

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Germany

December 1, 2011

Raphael in Germany writes:

Dear Sec. Clinton,

As a concerned citizen I call on you to deliver a message to the Burmese regime that US policy towards Burma will only change when all remaining political prisoners are released, there is a genuine ceasefire, human rights violations end, those responsible are held to account and there are serious efforts towards national reconciliation. This could be a moment of hope for the desperate Burmese people, and your message holds the key to real reform.
Thanks and good luck,
Raphael

Lisa

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Virginia, USA

December 1, 2011

Lisa in Virginia writes:

Secretary Clinton, thank you so much for traveling to Burma and demonstrating that many American people have care and compassion for the victims of abuse. Please do all you can to encourage the leaders of Burma to push towards compassion.

David G.

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United Kingdom

December 1, 2011

David G. in the U.K writes:

Good luck in Burma. Please don't take some halfway house approach because it won't work. I visited minority areas as well as 'Burma proper' on a number of occasions during the 1980s. An overwhelmingly beautiful country with so much unnecessary tragedy. We have seen Burma teetering on the edge of possibility before. This time with the right will you can really help them to the better future they deserve. Su Kyi is likely to be elected if elections are free and transparent and if the military is held in its proper place after the elections and this must be allowed. It might be a useful piece of diplomacy if you visited U Thant's tomb in Yangon (maybe a bit late to organise now, I guess) Dave UK.

Emma N.

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Switzerland

December 1, 2011

Emma and Nick in Switzerland write:

We appreciate your efforts in Burma. It's wonderful to see the US engaging in diplomacy to stop the kind of disaster befalling the people of Burma as happened in Tibet.

npwolf

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New York, USA

December 1, 2011

N.P. Wolf in New York writes:

Thank you Secretary Clinton for visiting Burma at such a crucial time. I spent a month there in 2001, traveling almost entirely by the back of trucks and staying at private hotels. The experience was beautiful as it was tragically painful. Please let Su Kyi know Americans have not forgotten her. She is a beacon of hope.

Greg C.

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Canada

December 1, 2011

Greg C. in Canada writes:

I urge Secretary Clinton, on her visit to Burma, to stand up for the victims of human rights abuses in Burma, work for an end to said human rights abuses, and try to negotiate an end to the civil turmoil afflicting this country. The human rights abuses in this country are appalling and deserve the full attention of Secretary Clinton. Please act upon these respectfully submitted suggestions...Greg C., Surrey, B.C., Canada

Rachel B.

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Washington, USA

December 1, 2011

Rachel B. in Washington writes:

Thank you for traveling to South Korea and Burma this week! I must ask you not to forget the continuing violence and human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and peaceful activists. Millions of people have been displaced and terrorized this year, more than ever before, and their suffering will not end unless the people and the government, and the world, honestly talk about what is happening and how to stop it now. There must be reconciliation on both sides. I also urge you Secretary Clinton to press for the release of all political prisoners and for the end to laws that oppress the Burmese people and keep them afraid to live or speak. Please use your voice and authority to speak for justice and freedom in Burma, to promote and demand the liberation and restoration of those who cannot do so on their own. Thank you and have a wonderful trip. May God bless you and keep you.